Corona Business News February 2016 by Creative By Design

CORONA Serving Corona’s Business Community and Cutting Through Government Red Tape since 1910

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY 2016

BUSINESS NEWS

91 Closure Encourages Shopping Local

reating and Sustaining a Strong Local Economy is more than just fancy words thrown together – the CORONA Chamber actively works on behalf of the business community. Living in what used to be the Lemon Capital of the WORLD, this Chamber continually makes LEMONADE out of LEMONS!! Mark your calendars for February 19 – 22! The 91 Freeway expansion project will shut down all traffic on the 91 freeway and while most people are saying boo, we say….YEAH!!! What better way to bring shopping to our beautiful CORONA and the fabulous stores that are part of our business community! We have asked our membership to be creative in their offers: some are doing

discounts, (minimum discount is 5.5%, representing the 55 hours of closure); or $.91 for something that normally sells at $1.00 or more; some are taking a product selling for $25 and discounting it to $22.91; a hairstylist is considering a service that typically runs $65 to have it on special for $55.91 (emphasis on 55 hours, and 91 freeway). Our goal is to have FUN and share your ideas with us via email to

info@CORONAchamber.org and we will be sure to get the word out. Registration deadline for stores to be included is Friday, February 12. All postings will be uploaded by close of day Wednesday, February 17. For businesses seeking to be included in this 55 hour Shop CORONA campaign – please log on to www. CORONAchamber.org or call us at 951-737-3350. This is another service provided by the CORONA Chamber of Commerce. Did we mention FUN in this article? Well, there will be prizes and gifts for those individuals who purchased during our 55 hour SHOP CORONA campaign, simply enter to WIN on our website through February 25 – and you might win one of the many prizes being offered!

out the modern facility. The new location is spacious, consisting of an employee break room, conference rooms for every department, and a Board of Education meeting room that comfortably sits 231 visitors. The Board Room will allow for more participation from students, parents, employees

he new laws in California are very troubling for clarity and accuracy! The CORONA Chamber has partnered with Poindexter Consulting to provide a 3-hour seminar for all business owners and managers to learn more details. “These new laws became effective January 1, 2016 and many of our members just do not understand them,” shared Mark Peabody, 2016 Chairman for the CORONA Chamber. “Vikita Poindexter did an outstanding job presenting a short overview at our Good

Morning CORONA breakfast meeting in January, but reality is much more time is needed!” After poising the question to the jammed pack room, and a resounding YES, the CORONA Chamber has selected Wednesday, March 9 to host this training – 9:30am registration check in, 10am the session. Register prior to February 29 and save money: CORONA Chamber members pay $35; nonmembers pay $70; beginning March 1 prices increase to $50 and $95 respectively. Log on to CORONAchamber. org or call 951-737-3350

SAM’S Club to host March 17 Mixer

ack by popular demand – the CORONA SAM’S Club has partnered with the CORONA Chamber for enabling other local businesses to show their products and promote their services. Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 17. The event will be open for the public to attend, official time and community members. for the Mixer will be 4:30pm The outside grounds have until 7pm. Come by and visit! The CORONA Chamber benches for employees and visitors to enjoy the scenery hosts member Mixers in an of palm trees and rolling hills. effort to assist connections Moreover, the new office includes an emergency center to serve all Alvord schools in the event of a disaster. The move into the new space on 9 KPC Parkway, Corona, CA, is expected to happen by the end of February. The custom-built office will replace the current district office located on Keller Avenue that has served as the he Annual Sacramain Alvord Unified School Dismento Legislative trict’s home for over 60 years. Summit will take Providing a centralized, place on Tuesday, safe environment for employees was integral to the May 17 through Wednesday decision for the relocation. mid-morning May 18. ParThe current office on Keller alleled with the CORONA ... Continued on page 7 Chamber’s Legislative Plat-

Alvord Unified School District Relocates to CORONA

lvord Unified School District is excited to announce its move to a new office in Corona, CA. Construction is almost complete on the three-story building where the district office will house approximately 150 employees. The new building is both welcoming and inviting through-

New Labor Laws

... Continued on page 8

Legislative Outreach

l-r; Dr. Sid Salazar, Superintendent; Julie Moreno, Clerk of the Board; Ben Johnson II, Board of Trustee; Carolyn Wilson, Board President; Art Kaspereen, Jr., Board VicePresident; and Robert Schwandt, Board of Trustee – Alvord Unified School District

form for 2016, the group of business leaders will experience tremendous insight and education on the way Sacramento does / does not do business. As California has become known for not ... Continued on page 8

www.CORONAchamber.org

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CORONA Chamber of Commerce 904 E. Sixth Street, CORONA, CA 92879 (951) 737-3350 | CORONAchamber.org Bobby Spiegel President/CEO Bobby@CORONAchamber.org Denea Breitenbucher Vice President Denea@CORONAchamber.org Ligia Martinez Events and Member Services Ligia@CORONAchamber.org Ed Lewis Membership Development Ed@CORONAchamber.org Zyyania Solorio Member Services Zyyania@CORONAchamber.org Stephanie Shapiro Membership Development Stephanie@CORONAchamber.org Corona Business News Graphic Design Creative By Design www.creativebydesign.net

CORONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman of the Board Mark Peabody Peabody Engineering & Supply, Inc. Chairman-Elect Don Garling Lifetime Vinyl Fence Fabricators, Inc. Vice Chair Carolyn Anderson Corrao Waste Management Treasurer/Finance Chair John Weyhgandt GlobalOne Advisors Finance Vice Chair Kerry Pendergast CORONA Chamber Foundation Immediate Past Chairman Dean Seif CARSTAR Allstar Collision President/CEO/Corporate Secretary Bobby Spiegel CORONA Chamber of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS Palbinder Badesha Express Employment Professionals Yolanda Carrillo Corona-Norco Family YMCA Jim Gore Vulcan Materials Company Ruth Jaffe Kaiser Permanente Kim Lewis Creative By Design Michael Lin, PhD Corona-Norco Unified School District Michael Meyer California Baptist University Chris Miller Thomas Miller Mortuary and Crematory Linda Pearson Corona Regional Medical Center Lea Petersen Southern California Gas Company Dr. Anthony Pirritano Integrated Medical Center of Corona – CompAccess Mike Quraishi Aladdin Cleaning Services, Inc. Mike Ryan Ryan & Associates Financial Services Don Williamson Corona History Association Jerry Wilson PRMG Liaison for NAVSEA Corona Division Captain Corry Shedd US Navy / Naval Weapons Surface Warfare Center

For advertising information, contact the CORONA Chamber at 951.737.3350

February 2016

Business Development Benefits New Chamber Members

usinesses that are members of the Chamber enjoy consumer favorability recognition: The Schapiro Group’s survey taken in 2012 shows that when businesses are members of the chamber of commerce, potential customers are 49% more likely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future. Chamber Membership is Smart Business! Legislative Outreach and Advocacy for business: As you are taking care of your business, selling your wares, or making that widget, the CORONA Chamber is actively participating in the legislative process. This Chamber has been recognized for the last six (6) years for its effort in supporting business friendly legislation, fighting against job killer bills and organizing Legislative Summits to Sacramento and Washington DC. All attendees of these “Summits” pay their own fees and work together with the CORONA Chamber to represent to ensure business friendly legislation. The Sacramento Summit is May 16 – 18; The Washington DC Summit will be sometime in September. If your business chooses to be involved and participate in projects,

programs and seminars, the CORONA Chamber offers a variety of them: Networking and marketing outreach programs and events: (Your participation is optional based upon your company’s goals and objectives) Grand Opening and Important Anniversary Ribbon Cuttings: The chamber can provide you with OFFICIAL Chamber and City of Corona recognition to help you generate awareness and publicity throughout the community. Corona Networking Solutions (CNS): Thursday luncheons (at local chamber member restaurants) that you can attend and meet other chamber members, share leads, exchange referrals. This one-on-one networking program generates over $150,000+ annually in actual business orders for its members. This additional business development opportunity is only available to chamber members. Good Morning CORONA (GMC): A monthly networking breakfast (the last Friday of the month) with 100 + business members in attendance. A prominent local speaker is featured and presents a topic that is important to Corona businesses. Also, regular updates from the City of Corona on its activities, programs and events is given by the Mayor

or a City Council member. New Member Receptions: New Member Receptions are held bi-monthly to introduce new members and brief them on important chamber member benefits and resources. Attended by new members, chamber staff, chamber ambassadors and Corona city officials. A great first opportunity to promote your business products/services. Mixers are held quarterly throughout the community and members and potential new members are encouraged to attend and if they would like, can purchase a table space and display their products/services. Another excellent way to develop new business opportunities for your company. Women’s Leadership Luncheons: Monthly educational lunch meetings with various important topics and speakers, with an annual full-day conference in the fall. For complete information on upcoming CORONA Chamber events and programs go to www.CORONAchamber.org and click on EVENTS (Chamber Events). Call (951) 737-3350 or email info@ CORONAchamber.org and ask for additional information. A membership representative will be happy to assist you!

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Installation & Awards Gala THE CORONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MOVED ITS ANNUAL INSTALLATION & AWARDS GALA FROM SOUTH CORONA TO NORTH MAIN STREET BUT THE CHANGE IN SCENERY DIDN’T DIMINISH THE CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND BUSINESS CAMARADERIE.

early 500 attended the dinner held for the first time at the newly dedicated Circle City Center. The event marked the organizations rich 105-year-old history of serving the business community of CORONA and surrounding areas. The highlight came at the end of the event, when MaryAnn Sherman was honored as the Citizen of the Year for her tireless service to the region. Sherman retired in 2014 as the librarian at Jefferson Elementary School in Corona after decades of work in the Corona-Norco Unified School District. She serves as a trustee of the Corona Public Library. She helps promote the Relay for Life to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and the Love Walk to benefit Peppermint Ridge for the developmentally disabled. Sherman works on a fruit and vegetable program to benefit disadvantaged people in the community. She is an active member of Blue Star Mothers, with a son Thomas, a colonel in the Air Force. She is also a member of the Circle City Kiwanis Club. Sherman used to work in her father’s music store in Corona 50 years ago. Outgoing Chamber chairman of the board Dean Seif (CARSTAR Allstar Collision) presented Mike Ryan (Ryan and Associates) with the chairman’s award for his involvement in a myriad of chamber activities and other organizations, from Alzheimer’s Association, to Hospice and Peppermint Ridge. Mark Peabody (Peabody Engineering) was installed as the chairman for 2016, taking over for Seif. Local businessmen (and woman) Bob Hemborg (Hemborg Ford), John Downs (Downs Energy), Sally Carlson (Settlement House) and Herb Spiegel

(Corona Industrial Electric) received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Katie Moore, who was deeply involved in the Special Olympics World Games held in Southern California last summer, received the Rising Star award for starting a business, having a “get things done” attitude and taking a leadership role. Moore started ABC Hopes to honor her brother, Christopher, who has Down syndrome. The organization’s clients take part in projects and weekly events such as Corona’s Farmers Market. Rick Brent, of Martin & Associates Brokerage, was named Ambassador of the Year. Brent compiled the most events representing the chamber at

THE HIGHLIGHT CAME AT THE END OF THE EVENT, WHEN MARYANN SHERMAN WAS HONORED AS THE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FOR HER TIRELESS SERVICE TO THE REGION. SHERMAN RETIRED IN 2014 AS THE LIBRARIAN AT JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN CORONA AFTER DECADES OF WORK IN THE CORONA-NORCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT. business community events. He also set a new record by being ranked as the Ambassador of the month – every month in 2015. Cari Smith, of Cal-Draulics, Inc., received the Making A Difference Award for her participation in many organizations and non-profit agencies. She serves on the Corona Fire Safety Foundation, the Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library to name a few. The Corona-Norco Family YMCA was honored as the outstanding non-profit of the year. The Y works with more than 1,500 clients daily. Servicing the needs of children from 6 weeks to 17 years of age, the Y operates 10 sites throughout the greater Corona area and neighboring communities. They are the advocates for children! Their outreach throughout the community is evident by the numerous organizations and events they help work on. TAPS Fish House & Brewery, located in the Dos Lagos development of

South Corona, received the Award of Excellence for Retail. An iconic and progressive eatery, catering to the customer’s needs, wants and desires, TAPS has established itself as a role model for other businesses. The Award of Excellence in Service was presented to Waste Management’s Corona District. The business which is located at 800 S. Temescal St. in Corona, was feted for providing inventive environmental opportunities for the business community and residents. Thoro Packaging, which makes high-end, folding carton containers, was given the Award of Excellence in Manufacturing. Thoro, based in Corona, has been in business for more than 47 years. Under the direction of its President, Jan Steiner, Thoro has more than doubled in size, and has a team of dedicated employees that work together to accomplish the goals of the company. Jerry Soifer contributed to this article.

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MA www.CORONAchamber.org

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February 2016

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD - MIKE RYAN AN’S CHAIRAMRD AW

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electing the recipient for the Chairman’s Award is not an easy task,” stated Dean Seif, Chairman of the Board for the CORONA Chamber. “Our community is blessed to have so many qualified and dedicated individuals who step up daily to help others, but this year, one person stood out!” The Chairman’s

E SERVIC

Award for 2015 is Mike Ryan. Serving as an active member in the CORONA Chamber, Mike finds unlimited time to dedicate to help in many committees, programs and services. Mike’s unselfish dedication is shown on a daily basis with his involvement in the numerous other charities that impact the livelihood of so many. Seif continues, “Over the years, Mike has shown his wisdom, knowledge, volunteerism, generosity, selflessness, high ethics, humble heart and caring for the ones in need. He is an advocate for the chamber and our community. During this past year, Mike was an integral part of our non-profit organization’s monthly meetings. He actively serves on the board for the

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CORONA Chamber, on our Economic Development committee, in 2015 he served as Chairman of the Board for the Norco Area Chamber of Commerce, he serves on the board for Peppermint Ridge, is involved with the Alzheimer Association, the Dale McIntyre Center for those living with disabilities. All of this while running his own business Safe Money Management and Independent Insurance & Financial Management Services Company. Additional committees include LAFF, Life After Fifty Five; Meals on Wheels and Healthy Corona – all have a part in Mike’s time and life. It is with honor that we recognize as the 2015 Chairman’s Award to Mike Ryan.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - MARYANN SHERMAN N OF CITIZE R A THE YE

t is an Honor for the CORONA Chamber to bestow the Citizen of the Year Award for 2015 to MaryAnn Sherman. MaryAnn has been part of the Corona history since 1966 working in her father’s music store on Main St while also being an active member of St. Edwards Parish serving as a CCD

N’S teacher and parishioner. AIRMRAMaryAnn H C D was always active in Aher WA children’s school PTA and then became employed with the CNUSD in the 1980’s and retired in 2014, as the Librarian at Jefferson Elementary. Though a Librarian, it was MaryAnn who helped coordinate funding and programing for parent to learn computer use, applications and a variety of other programs. MaryAnn sees a problem, and finds two or three solutions to offset the situation. She engaged the less fortunate students to become proud of themselves and hold their heads up. MaryAnn would often find resources of food, clothing and gifts

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that were given to these students, secretly, without fanfare and absolutely without embarrassing them as to receive handouts. MaryAnn is a class act. She knows just what to say, to whom, and when. As a Corona Public Library Trustee she helped promote literacy to those who may not have otherwise had the opportunity via the many wonderful resources available at our public library. She was and is a wealth of support and knowledge helping with her school PTA directing the book fairs, Santa Shop, movie nights just to name a few. Her love for the students at Jefferson radiates on MaryAnn’s face. She has been part of the Relay for Life and the Love Walk to support Peppermint Ridge a cause near and dear to her heart. MaryAnn has coordinated community resources to help a student who was hit in the cross walk while walking to school, several fundraisers were done to help the family with medical bills. She still goes back to Jefferson to celebrate that special students’ birthday with cupcakes every month. MaryAnn was wondering what she would do when she retired, thinking how she could continue helping those in need. And today, you will find her frequently at Jefferson, with cupcakes in hand, to make some student’s day magically better! Searching to do more for the community she loves, MaryAnn made a call to City Manager Darrell Talbert who connected her up with VegFresh (newly located to CORONA) wholesale grocer who also wants to help the community. Immediately, MaryAnn’s new adventure began..... She now heads a fruit and vegetable program for the needy in our city twice a month, with donations from Veg Fresh, and this produce is NOT old, it is FRESH and will last longer than those items on the shelves at

the grocery stores. MaryAnn works closely with numerous outreach volunteers, some are veterans who have hit rock bottom, and are seeking to improve themselves. They meet and work at the Settlement House, where groups of various nonprofits line up to gather their fruits vegetables for the needy families each of them care for. The Settlement House patrons also now can add fruits and vegetables to the grocery bags they give families. MaryAnn is an active member of Blue Star Mothers, as her son Tom is in the service, and she is an active member of the Circle City Kiwanis. Always with a smile on her face, she greets the students and parents warmly when she sees them throughout town, at the market or at school. MaryAnn is a true advocate for those who need assistance, attention and caring. MaryAnn has been married to her husband Tom for 43 years. They have a son, Colonel Thomas Sherman and a beautiful daughter Nancy. Her two brothers are Frank and Gerry Colapinto. The CORONA Chamber is honored to present the Citizen of the Year Award to MaryAnn Sherman.

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Alvord cont’d Avenue included a building that was deemed unsafe for occupancy. With recent increased hiring the current office has proved inadequate to handle such rapid growth. Employees will have ergonomically furniture, such as rising desks that maximize functionality and safety. This futuristic functionality gives employees

EMPLOYEES WILL HAVE ERGONOMICALLY FURNITURE, SUCH AS RISING DESKS THAT MAXIMIZE FUNCTIONALITY AND SAFETY. the option of standing while working rather than sitting for extended periods. As has been proven by several medical studies, standing rather than sitting for long periods promotes health and improves the health and well-being of employees. According to Superintendent, Dr. Sid Salazar, “We want the best working environment for our employees who work arduously to help all members of the Alvord family. We believe this relocation will maximize the efficiency of all district operations. ”

Elected officials from Corona joined Corona Regional Medical Center (CRMC) officials in the ground breaking ceremony for the new Emergency Room facility. L-R: Eugene Montanez, Corona Council Member; Vice-Mayor Dick Haley, City of Corona; CEO, Mark Uffer, CRMC; Mayor Jason Scott, City of Corona; Regional Vice President, Southern CA, Mike Fencel, UHS Acute Care Division; Karen Spiegel, Corona Council Member; President, Marvin Pember, UHS Acute Care Division. The new construction will be 4 times the physical size of the existing ER, and increasing the patient care and privacy for residents needing these services. The professional care being provided at CRMC and the community at large, have long awaited this progress. The construction will take approximately 12 months to complete, offering dozens of new jobs (for building the facility).

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Coffee service provided by CORONA Chamber Foundation

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February 2016

Legislative Outreach cont’d being business friendly, our chamber’s work is cut out for us! “Our group will attend the CAL-Chamber’s Business Summit Briefing, where we will get the inside scoop from its president, Allan Zaremberg,” states Dean Seif, 2016 Chairman for the CORONA Chamber’s Legislative Outreach program. “Typically we hear about the politics behind major issues affecting employers’ ability to stay competitive.” In addition to the briefing, our Chamber has compiled a group of decision and policy makers to meet with us. This meeting is for CORONA Chamber members only and will offer the opportunity for direct dialogue and impactful content. On Wednesday morning, the CORONA Chamber will gather with the Sacramento Host Committee

MIXER, March 17 at SAM’S Club cont’d and attend the Host Breakfast with Governor Brown and other key note speakers. A special evening with Assembly Member Eric Linder is being coordinated; as well a breakfast with State Senator Richard Roth. As with the entire event, these are not hosted – meaning all attendees pay their own fees and expenses. A special dinner is being coordinated for Monday Evening, May 16 with Assembly Member Eric Linder. Investment: $575 per person* (Hotel and Transportation excluded) Special pricing for CORONA Chamber Members. Registration is open at this time and prices vary depending on when you make your payment. Contact the CORONA Chamber at 951-737-3350 or CORONA chamber.org within our membership. SAM’S Club located at 1375 E Ontario Avenue at the I-15 will provide spaces for our members to display their products, promote their services etc. Spaces are

Unleash your Leadership Brand

oin us on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 when Sandy Cramer, owner and Chief Development Officer of Intersect Training Group, shares Unleash your Leadership Brand. The luncheon will be held at the Sizzler Restaurant (1461 Rimpau Avenue, Corona, CA 92879 / at Magnolia and I-15). Registration and networking begins at 11:30am. CORONA Chamber members pay $25 and can receive a discount if purchased by February 25; non-members pay $30. Register on line at www.CORONAchamber.org or call 951-737-3350. Intersect Training Group is a Management and Leadership Development Training Company. Sandy has been training front-line managers for almost 20 years. In her extensive background as a Human Resources leader, she saw first-hand the positive impact great managers can have on employees and the business, and the

downsides to having unskilled managers. Sandy is passionate about the impact training and coaching can have on the workplace, and has made it her life’s work to help companies realize better results through their people by equipping managers and leaders with the skills they need to successfully lead and develop their teams. The Women’s Leadership Luncheon series is a monthly gathering of professional women (and men) that enjoy the camaraderie of others. Each month a different speaker presents, and the topics vary. For more information connect with the CORONA Chamber.

limited to the first ones that reserve. For more information on the Mixer, please call at the CORONA Chamber at 951-737-3350 or visit CORONAchamber.org.